Nobody's Fool

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Nobody's Fool

R

Released Dec 23, 1994

1h 50m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

57 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.

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Critics Consensus

It's solidly directed by Robert Benton and stacked with fine performances from an impressive cast, but above all, Nobody's Fool is a showcase for some of Paul Newman's best late-period work.

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Michael Sragow

The New Yorker

The movie is both a star vehicle and an ensemble piece; the other actors revolve around Newman yet give off more than just his reflected light.

Oct 29, 2013

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Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

We love to see our movie gods play flawed souls, especially a god with a face that looks like one on a Roman coin.

Rated: 3/4

Oct 29, 2013

Full Review

Kenneth Turan

Los Angeles Times

Moviegoing holds few pleasures greater than watching an established star completely inhabit a role that exactly suits his personality and abilities. And seeing Paul Newman in Nobody's Fool defines that pleasure.

Oct 29, 2013

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Paul Newman had already delivered so many terrific turns in his lifetime that he hardly needed to continue past retirement age to cement his legendary status. Yet here he's found giving one of the best performances of his career.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 23, 2022

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Mal Vincent

The Virginian-Pilot

Ultimately, it sends us a proud and entertaining message that we can express love for others.

Rated: 4/4

Feb 25, 2022

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Jonah Koslofsky

The Spool

The formula the film follows endears, because Newman is able to make Sully both charming and an enormous screw-up.

Feb 4, 2021

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Marcus T

I watched about half of this and then lost interest. None of the characters grabbed me or made me care about them. Paul Newman's character, the reason I chose the movie, was on screen most of the time and wasn't a particularly likeable character. It was going nowhere fast so I turned it off.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

06/04/25

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Nils B

An absolutely charming film. A slice of life story done perfectly with great script, casting, directing, and more. One of my most favourite movies of all time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

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Brad S. R

One of the best small town movies ever made.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/19/25

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Audience Member

Overall, what begins as a slow-paced story about an old man with a limp soon transforms into something far greater than I could have ever expected. It's a touching story about family, friendships and loyalty. Paul Newman once again delivers a fun, likeable and charming character to the screen. While slow to begin with, the film delivers a strong payoff and reward by the third act. There are moments where I generally laughed out loud and other moments that felt gripping, dramatic and heartfelt. In the end, it's just a fun and lovable film that packs great rewards for those who invest in it.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/11/23

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Jason

The perfect film. Beautiful in every way

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

12/07/22

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georgan g

What a cast of great actors, even the minor roles. Watching a grown man actually grow is some of Paul Newman's best work. Rarely get stories this well done.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Robert Benton

Director

Paul Newman

Sully

Jessica Tandy

Miss Beryl

Melanie Griffith

Toby Roebuck

Bruce Willis

Carl Roebuck

Dylan Walsh

Peter

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Synopsis

Donald "Sully" Sullivan (Paul Newman) is an expert at avoiding adult responsibilities. At 60, he divides all his time between a local bar and the occasional construction job. When his estranged son, Peter (Dylan Walsh), arrives in town, bringing with him a son of his own and a sob story about his failed marriage, Sully finds himself assuming the roles of both father and grandfather. After a life of unchecked self-indulgence, he wonders if he is up to the task.

Director: Robert Benton
Producer: Scott Rudin, Arlene Donovan
Screenwriter: Richard Russo, Robert Benton
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Capella International, Cinehaus
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 23, 1994, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $38.3M
Runtime: 1h 50m
Sound Mix: Surround, Stereo

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